To say that I was surprised with his question was an understatement. It also scared me. The way he asked that question spelled trouble for both me and the person in my past.
I was about to answer when I saw Jeff coming towards us. I waved at him and walked past Ed. I felt relief coursing through me. It was a narrow escape. I thank the heavens for that.
I was stopped by Ed when he grabbed my arm and made me look at him.
"Don't ever delude yourself that you have escaped, Helena. One way or another, I will know the truth. And you are in no position to tell me what I can or can not handle. Once I gain your trust and you are ready to tell me everything about your past, we will talk again. Till then, I will be here for you in any form that you might need me. A friend or as your man." he eyes told me that he meant every word that he said.
I felt a myriad of emotions flooding me. Happiness because I won't loose him in my life. Guilt because I might be stringing him along my misery which would also make him miserable.
I turned away because I can not deal with these potent emotions that he has awaken in me. I have never felt this way before. Not even with him.
Jeff was looking curiously at both of us when he reached our side. His eyes darting from Ed's hands on my arm to both our faces. I just smiled at him and Ed let me go.
"I have reserved a table before we came here. Dinner will be served in thirty minutes. If you guys want to stay here and watch the sun set, someone will just come over when everything is set." Jeff said.
"Can we stay here for the meantime?" I asked, still unwilling to let go of the breathtaking scenery before me.
"Sure." Jeff said.
When we both turned to look at Ed, we found him lying on the sand with his arms behind his head. He gave off an I don't care about anything vibe. But when you look at his eyes closely, one could see a tempest that is brewing in its midst. We both have a lot to deal with.
I sat down between Ed and Jeff. Jeff also had his back on the sand. I wanted to lie down but felt shy doing that because of Ed. I wrapped my arms around my knees to ward of the evening chill. The three of us were quiet. It seems like we were drowning in our own thoughts. I looked up the sky. There are a few stars scattered across the cloudless skies telling us of the deepening night. I felt a hard tug from behind causing me to fall on my back.
"Better lay down while you are looking at them." Ed said. I heard Jeff chuckle.
I felt uncomfortable. Ed is trying his best not to make things awkward between us. I should follow his lead.
"That's so sweet of you, Ed. You really care about Lena, don't you." Jeff teased and gave off a sweet laugh.
"Right. I don't want her hurting her neck. I care for her so much that I do not want her in pain." Ed said in a half serious, half joking manner. I heard Jeff chuckled.
I know they are just teasing me. But I am embarrassed knowing that Jeff caught on. I should not have been surprised since both of them are friends. They have known each other far longer than they have known me. Ed may not have told him of how he feels about me but Jeff is not that oblivious to what is happening around him.
The uneasiness is making me want to flee and avoid this embarrassing situation. I scrambled to my feet, looked at both of them and said, "I have always wanted a big brother. I even envied my classmates and best friend for having one. But with how you two are behaving, making me feel uneasy, I don't think I want one."
I left and stormed off to the direction where Jeff came from assuming that the path would lead me to the restaurant. My steps started to falter when I realized that I did not know which table was reserved for us.
"Just give them my name, Lena!" Jeff shouted. I turned to look at him and saw him pulling Ed up so that both of them could follow. I slowed down but not enough for them to catch on.
"So Lena wants a big brother, huh?" Jeff said. "From what I saw earlier between the two of you, I don't think you want to be one, Ed"
"Who says I wanted to be her big brother? I don't even want to be her friend. I have explicitly told her that it is more than friendship that I am after." Ed said loud enough for me and some passers by to hear.
"Hey, Lena. Ed said he doesn't want to be your friend or your brother. He wants to be your lover." Jeff shouted making me cover my ears. People were looking at us with amusement.
What sin did I commit in my previous life for me to have these bothersome people around me? I lamented. The magic that was brought by the place and Ed's whispered words and caress where all long gone. I am back to reality. And wide awake for that.
"Stop it or I will leave." I snarled at them. I made sure that I had my most ferocious expression on my face.
Both men blinked and made me think that it worked only to have them laugh at me. Jeff was even holding his stomach while laughing.
"Scary, kitten. Your so scary. I love it." Ed said.
"You are nuts. You both have loose screws in your head." I turned around and went inside. I will have my dinner first. I can not resist the aroma of sea foods.